After childbirth, many women seek additional support to help their bodies recover. Postpartum belts are designed to provide compression, support, and comfort during this transitional period.
What does a postpartum belt do?
Similar to a pregnancy support belt, postpartum belts are made to support your body and help it recover. They use compression to keep your muscles and skin supported. This can help with aches, pains, stretch marks, sciatic pain, bladder control, and helps to look after your new body shape following birth. They fit snugly around your hips and tummy – and are normally adjustable to suit your shape and body type.
They’re designed to support your abdomen until all your organs and muscles get back to doing what they do best; the compression also helps as your uterus shrinks. They’re also thought to help with diastasis recti – a condition where the abdominal muscles remain separated following pregnancy, which is common.
Some new moms want to use a postpartum belt to change their body shape or outline under their clothes, but there are many more health and wellbeing benefits to such a product other than altering your outline. Sometimes they are called ‘girdles’, although the image of a girdle is very old-fashioned and far away from modern postpartum belts. The thing your grandmother used to wear is a world away from contemporary postpartum belts.
When do you use a postpartum belt?
These belts are primarily designed to be used after birth. Some of them are adjustable and can be used during your pregnancy to support your bump, then altered to support your hips after birth.
Some of them have specific directions in terms of how long to use them – for instance, some are ideal for the week after birth – so always read the instructions on each product to find out when’s best to use them. It’s a very personal thing, and you might find them uncomfortable. Always check whether you can return the belt if it doesn’t suit you.
Can you use one after a C-section?
Some postpartum belts are designed to help after a C-section, and belly wraps can offer support as your wound heals. We’d recommend speaking to your Doctor or Midwife first, to find out if you should wait until after everything has healed.
Top Tips
Deciding on whether you want to use a belly wrap or belt after birth is a personal decision. What one mom finds comfy, another simply won’t like. There are some things to bear in mind when choosing a postpartum belt:
Is it comfy? Postpartum belts are designed to offer light compression – but there’s a difference between this and feeling restricted and uncomfortable. You’re not looking for a waist-cincher like you’ve seen on Instagram – this is meant to be a supportive product.
Is it easy to use? Life with a newborn is hard enough without having to struggle for 10 minutes trying to do up your postpartum belt. Choose one that’s easy to put on and adjust.
Is it discreet? Consider how it might look underneath your clothes; something that’s bulky might make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.
What’s your budget? You can spend a lot on a postpartum belt, or buy a cheaper option that’s much simpler. Always weigh up the benefits and don’t waste money on an uncomfortable bargain and won’t give you the right support.
Here’s a roundup of the top 10 postpartum belts that can help you regain strength and shape.
The KeaBabies Revive offers a 3-in-1 design, with adjustable compression for the belly, waist, and pelvis. It’s versatile and provides firm support, making it a popular choice among new moms.
The Bodily Postpartum Belly Band is designed with soft, stretchy material that provides gentle compression. It’s adjustable and easy to wear, ideal for postpartum recovery and support without feeling too restrictive.
Bellefit’s corset-style binder offers strong compression with its adjustable hooks and zippered closure. It provides excellent support for the abdomen and back, helping with posture and recovery after childbirth.
The Luxe Belly Wrap from Belly Bandit is a high-quality postpartum belt made with soft bamboo material. It provides firm yet comfortable compression, designed to help shrink the belly and waist while supporting the lower back.
The Belly Bandit B.F.F. (Best Friend Forever) Belly Wrap is designed with adjustable panels for a custom fit. Its double-compression technology provides targeted support, making it a great option for moms seeking extra compression in specific areas.
Bumpsuit’s Support Waist Trainer is a sleek and stylish option for postpartum support. Made from seamless fabric, it offers gentle compression and is designed to be worn discreetly under clothing.
The Belly Bandit Original is a classic postpartum belly wrap that offers strong compression and back support. Its simple design makes it easy to wear and adjust, ideal for new moms looking for a reliable belly wrap.
The Ingrid & Isabel Bellaband is a flexible maternity and postpartum band designed to support women during pregnancy and post-childbirth. Made from a stretchy blend of nylon and spandex, it offers gentle compression and has a seamless design for discreet wear under clothing. The band can cover unbuttoned pants during pregnancy and provide light support for the abdomen after childbirth. Its silicone strip keeps it in place, while its versatility makes it adaptable to different stages of recovery.
Shapermint’s Compression Waist Trainer is designed to shape and smooth the waistline while providing support. Its stretchy material allows for flexibility, making it suitable for postpartum recovery and everyday wear.
The Neotech Care Belly Band offers adjustable compression and support for the abdomen, waist, and lower back. Its breathable material and customizable fit make it a versatile choice for postpartum recovery.Whether you’re looking for strong compression, gentle support, or a combination of both, these postpartum belts offer a variety of options to meet your post-pregnancy needs. Be sure to choose the one that aligns with your comfort level and recovery goals.
